Big stage in Bremen: 'Showcase women's football'

For Pätzold and his players it is all about finding a healthy mix of anticipation for the stage while maintaining concentration on the game. "We are all very curious and excited but we have focused more on the opponents than the stage in this short week of training," said the coach: "It's a special game. I don't feel the players are distracted and they look to be very focused. We are not making too much of it even though it is emotional and cool to play football on a stage like that. But, above all, it will be even better if we leave the pitch as winners."

The 45-year-old coach is not expecting nerves from his team or the Werder Bremen side who have lost their last three games. "I don't think the pressure is that big in terms of the table," said Pätzold: "Therefore everybody should enjoy the match and the venue, showcase women's football and make sure that those people watching a game at the stadium for the first time will come back more often in the future." That is particularly important to him because: "The players deserve this attention for their commitment week after week."

The Leverkusen players have achieved a lot in the last few weeks. They have made a good start with 13 points from the first five Bundesliga matches. "That gives us lots of confidence in our own ability, also physically looking at the different challenges we have mastered in games," said Pätzold: "We know we have all worked hard and that there is no reason to do less at any point. We have to invest a lot to keep this run going for as long as possible."

four former leverkusen players at Werder

Recent matches have not gone so well for Werder Bremen who have four former Werkself players in their ranks in Amira Arfaoui, Caroline Siems, Juliane Wirtz and the currently injured Verena Wieder. "The defeats were against strong teams who put in a lot and give little away. They found it difficult to create clear chances and focused on transition play," said the Bayer 04 coach: "They have several players who can make long runs at pace and they have picked up a number of points that way." Werder Bremen are currently ninth in the table on four points while the Werkself are in third spot.

Synne Skinnes Hansen is sidelined for several weeks after suffering a thigh injury in the 1-0 home win against Jena. "Every player missing hurts us," said Pätzold: "But we also did well in the second half against Jena with Janou Levels on the right and Juliette Vidal on the left. We have different options and nothing will change in our approach and the way we play." Auch Loreen Bender (groin), Melissa Friedrich (rehab training) and Paulina Bartz (illness) are also ruled out.

Tickets online and at the ground

For anybody making a last-minute decision to support the Bayer 04 Women's team in the big match at the Weserstadion, there are tickets available for away fans in Block 20 either HERE or at the game. Click HERE for Werder Bremen fan information (in German). The match will be broadcast live on the two streaming services MagentaSport and DAZN.